It has been just over one month since I started this two lawn plot study. It is hard to see in the image above but plants in plot 2 are now about 4in taller than plot 1. I abandoned using the GPS logger to keep track of biological growth within these plots after a couple days because 1) it was tedious, 2) it didn't seem like the right type of data collection for this type of study, and 3) it became apparent even after a few days that the unmown plot was much more entertaining to observe than a mown plot. 

The first obvious difference between the two plots was that there was little to no plant reproduction that occurred in the mowed plot. By the time the plants were tall enough to flower it was time again to mow. More flowering plants in the unmown plot automatically meant more flies, bees, moths, and other pollinators visited and interacted. The second was that ground cover from the unmown plants prevented the soil from drying out. This appeared to increase beetle, snail, and ant activity at the soil level. 

Increased bird activity at the unmown plot seemed to follow increased insect activity. There was at least twice as much bird activity in the unmown plot than the mown plot. 

Several species of plant that I was not aware were in my lawn were revealed when allowed to grow tall enough in the unmown plot. 

Finally, two rabbits have been frequenting my lawn over the last two weeks. One has started to build a nest in the unmown plot. Perhaps they prefer a slightly taller grassy area for their nest. 

The unmown plot had so much more interesting biological activity than the mown plot that I am surprised the act of not mowing a section of lawn isn't a widely advertised or named phenomenon. I will try to do it justice by calling it an "overgreen".

I am obviously someone who particularly enjoys watching plants and animals grow and interact, but I think most would be surprised how entertaining a 2x2m section of unmown lawn can be.